MORGANTOWN — West Virginia’s state parks and forests are in the midst of a multi-million dollar overhaul, and officials say they are already seeing increased tourism and use.

Samantha Smith, communications director for the West Virginia Department of Commerce, and Steve McDaniel, director of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, spoke during Saturday’s annual West Virginia Press Association Convention in Morgantown.

The two said a concerted effort to improve facilities and market the state’s 35 parks and nine state forests has led to an increase in visitors, in part due to a online system allowing easier scheduling and reservations. …

Samantha Smith, communications director for the West Virginia Department of Commerce, speaks during a presentation Saturday on the state’s parks system during the West Virginia Press Association Convention in Morgantown. (Photo by Michael Erb)